Suspected hitman arrested in connection with murder of American citizen in Jamaica

The Jamaican police have apprehended and charged Carey Rutherford, who is known by the alias “Mad One,” for the murder of an American citizen.

The deceased has been identified as Shirnet Hammond. 

The incident occurred in late September in Frazer’s Content, St. Catherine, Jamaica.

Fatal encounter on Red Pond road

Reports are that Hammond, an American citizen, was returning from a funeral service held at Meadowrest Memorial Gardens.

When she reached the Red Pond area, Rutherford, the accused, emerged onto the road and opened fire at the vehicle in which she was traveling in. 

The gunfire inflicted fatal gunshot wounds to Hammond’s head and upper body.

Hammond succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. 

Another man in the vehicle sustained gunshot injuries but was subsequently treated and released.

Expanding investigation

Senior Superintendent Howard Chambers, the Commanding Officer for the St. Catherine North division, revealed that Rutherford’s arrest may have far-reaching implications. 

The police are delving into a series of other homicides dating as far back as 2018.

According to law enforcement, the police strongly suspect Rutherford’s involvement as a hitman—a person hired to carry out contract killings.

Decline in serious crimes

Despite the unsettling incident, SSP Chambers reported an overall decrease in serious crimes in the St. Catherine region. 

He emphasized the police’s continued commitment to pursuing individuals responsible for acts of violence.

“When you look at the overall performance this year in comparison to the last year, the division is still doing pretty much well. As of today, we are at 22 per cent less as it relates to murders and shootings. Though when you look at the stats, we have more multiple fatalities for each incident,” he admitted. 

“We continue to monitor our hotspot areas and we continue to do the analysis. And as I said before, we definitely have a few violence producers in this division that we continue to pursue.”

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